Why did I wait so long...?

[sharkattacksw]

I'm finally getting into collecting Benchmades. I've had a Grip and Mini Grip in the past, but really never gave them a chance; I traded them relatively quickly. I was a pretty dedicated Spyderco guy at the time. However, I recently had the chance to get a 710 and fell for it immediately. I've now got 3 710s (in D2) and 2 of the 710-1401s (M390). I've also got 2 of the satin 943s and a North Fork. I'm really moving towards both learning more about Benchmade as well as getting more of their knives. I've read the "horror stories" of Benchmade's QC, but I bought all of these knives pre-owned (that were either LNIB or BNIB) and every one of them is fantastic.

While I don't necessarily dislike Spyderco knives, there are some things about them that I really don't like. Mainly, I dislike the pocket space that they take up. My PM2, for example, is a huge pocket hog compared to the larger 710. When I carry the 710, it disappears in my pocket. And the 943? Forget about it. If the 710 disappears, the 943 flat out vanishes instantly.

So...my questions for you wise gentlemen are:

1. Who is the expert on modding the 710? I'd like to have the OEM backspacer replaced with stand-offs.
2. Who is the expert in making scales for the 710? A couple of the D2 version, I might like to explore some different scales.
3. I'm only a so so sharpener, and the slight recurve has me a little spooked. Who's the resident expert recurve sharpener?

Thanks for listening fellas!

 

[Silent H]

@Keyman makes awesome custom scales, and the 710 seems to be a favorite of his. As for sharpening recurves, I use a ceramic rod, and I think the sharpmaker will work pretty well.

And I agree about the 710, it's a big knife but carrys really small

 

[ssunfish]

Plus one for ceramic rods for recurves. I feel the same way about recurves as I do about serrations. Not a fan.

 

[ssunfish]

PM2 has extra handle facilitating at least two grip approaches. Many have the boxy feel that has fans and haters with haters looking at Shaman. I know it's petty, but I hate feeling the clip. Also why I hate multi blade slipjoints. I like carry in a horizontal pouch altthough it's obvious when you're packing. Clips are too anymore. My very favorite is necker fixed blades in a magnetic sheath!!!! That's heavenly!